Reptile husbandry: the basics

Abstract

Reptiles are becoming increasingly popular pets. Appropriate species-specific husbandry should be provided for each individual for them to thrive and not simply survive. Enclosure choice does not always mean a vivarium, with a variety of options now available. A size appropriate for the individual should be provided – for larger species, this may mean dedicating rooms or heated outdoor enclosures for them. Substrate choice is critical, as risks such as gastrointestinal obstruction are present, and owners must ensure their animal can exhibit normal behaviour, such as burrowing. Both thermal and light gradients should be provided, allowing reptiles to bask as they would outside of captivity. Provision of water at all times is necessary and must be tailored to each species to ensure they actually use this resource. No perfect enclosure exists, as it is impossible to recreate the identical environment that reptiles inhabit in the wild. Understanding these different components will allow veterinary teams to advise owners appropriately, improving animal welfare and reducing presentations of preventable diseases in clinics.